GU face Rollers' juggernaut

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday April 9, 2010 00:00

 

Though some have said the Gaborone derby has lost some of its attraction in recent years, the Sunday duel should bring back the old spark given the current state of affairs at the two arch-rivals. Both clubs have been scaling the heights of glory though at different levels and the Sunday game will have a lot riding on it.

 While Rollers have been ruthless on the domestic front, GU have been making history in the CAF Champions League. Off the pitch, Rollers' title rivals will be hoping that GU can produce the performance they displayed in the first round when the two sides met. The two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the first round tie. GU were then under the tutelage of Manfred Chabinga who was sacked and replaced by David Bright. It will be interesting to see how the two teams match on Sunday. When other clubs are struggling, Rollers seem to be gaining momentum. They have scored 12 goals in their last two matches.

They go in to the Sunday game in need of just three points to secure the league title with six games to play. When the two sides met in the first round, Terrence Mandaza's magic helped Rollers get the point. Mandaza tricked several GU defenders before setting up Edwin Moalosi for the equaliser in a game that GU dominated. The duo will once again be key for Rollers on Sunday. It will be interesting to see how defender, Itayi Gwandu of Rollers fare against his former club. The game presents a perfect opportunity for GU to test their strength against a tough side before a tricky CAF Champions League tie against Zimbabwean giants, Dynamos. 

The Reds will once again rely on speedy winger, Mandla Mgadla who has been in scintillating form. Exciting midfielder, Vincent Phiri also seem to be rapidly returning to his best and should he make a starting line up, he will face-off with either Lawrence Majawa or Amos Godirwang.

In other games, Uniao Flamengo Santos will host Motlakase in Molepolole. Santos, who surprisingly parted ways with Clever Hunda, suffered a 5-2 defeat to Mochudi Centre Chiefs in their last fixture. A defeat will see Santos' title aspirations fading away while a loss will not be good for Motlakase who are staring relegation in the face. ECCO City Greens welcome Killer Giants in Selebi-Phikwe tomorrow with both sides still smarting from thorough hammerings from Rollers over the Easter Holidays.

Extension Gunners will be looking to recover from a shock 2-0 defeat to Police XI last Monday when they lock horns with Nico United in Lobatse. Jwaneng Comets and Boteti Young Fighters will be fighting for survival at Jwaneng Galaxy Stadium as TAFIC and Chiefs clash in Francistown. TAFIC and Chiefs were embroiled in a troubled Coca-Cola match in Selebi-Phikwe that did not last the distance. Chiefs were awarded the match and TAFIC must be out to exact maximum revenge this weekend.

Notwane will take on BMC at Otse Police College while on Sunday, BDF XI host Police XI in Molepolole. Matebele won their first game since the departure of Stanley Mwaanga against Notwane on Wednesday. All games kick off at 3.30pm.